People Like Us Do Things Like This: A Simple Way to Define Your Culture and Values
TJ Kastning
Culture isn’t just a buzzword. It’s the unseen force that drives every decision, every behavior, and ultimately, every success or failure in your company.
Seth Godin’s simple phrase—“People like us do things like this”—is the easiest way to understand what culture really means. It’s not about lofty mission statements or vague core values. It’s about who belongs here and how we operate.
In the construction industry, where teamwork, trust, and execution define success, a strong culture is the difference between a company people want to work for and one they just work at. Let’s break it down.
Culture: The Unwritten Rulebook
Culture isn’t what’s written in your employee handbook. It’s what actually happens on the job site, in the office, and in the daily grind. It’s defined by behaviors, not words.
Ask yourself:
✅ What behaviors get rewarded here?
✅ What happens when things go wrong?
✅ Who succeeds in our company—and why?
If your stated values don’t match reality, your real culture might not be what you think.
“People Like Us” – Who Are You?
Every strong culture starts with a clear identity. Who fits in here? Who thrives in your company?
For a construction firm, this might sound like:
🔨 People like us show up early and take pride in our work.
🔨 People like us solve problems instead of pointing fingers.
🔨 People like us help each other out, no matter the trade.
This isn’t about excluding people. It’s about alignment. The wrong fit in a tight-knit team can crush morale, slow projects down, and even create safety risks. A well-defined culture makes it easy to see who belongs and who doesn’t.
“Do Things Like This” – The Actions That Define You
Values only matter if they show up in daily actions. Otherwise, they’re just empty words.
If you claim to value safety, do your leaders take shortcuts to meet deadlines?
If you preach teamwork, do your managers actually listen to frontline workers?
If you promote craftsmanship, do you reward speed over quality?
Your company’s culture is what happens when no one is looking. It’s the actions and decisions that define you, not the slogans.
How to Make It Stick
It’s one thing to define your culture. It’s another to make it real. Here’s how:
🔥 Tell Stories – Reinforce culture with real examples. Celebrate employees who embody your values.
🔥 Set Expectations Early – Culture starts at hiring. Be clear about “how we do things here.”
🔥 Hold Leaders Accountable – If leadership doesn’t live the culture, no one else will.
🔥 Make It Visible – Keep it simple and repeat it often—meetings, site talks, performance reviews.
A strong culture isn’t built in a day. But every small action reinforces what matters most.
Your Culture Is Your Competitive Edge
A well-defined culture attracts the right people, reduces turnover, and makes decision-making easier. It helps you build a team that works together, solves problems, and takes pride in their craft.
So—who are “people like us” in your company? And what do they do?
If you’re looking to build a team that truly aligns with your values, let’s talk.
👉 Schedule an exploratory meeting with Ambassador Group today.
Let’s build something great together. 🚀
